“I’ve known what that life is like, having to live like that, with almost nothing. That makes me committed to my community, to this needy population.” (Instagram)
I couldn’t resist my curiosity. In a few hours, I would be interviewing District 13 councilman Hugo Soto-Martínez, and I started reviewing his social media accounts. In one photo, he was giving school backpacks to children; in another, distributing Christmas gifts, and in several more, providing food at various community events.
“The first thing that came to my mind is that you seem like Santa Claus,” I said as soon as we connected for this interview.
His laughter exploded on the other side of the phone line. “It’s just that you show limitless generosity,” I added. “Moreover, you support the most vulnerable community, those who rent, street vendors, the homeless, and the unions.”
There’s a pause. In a more serious tone, he replies, “I think I owe all of that to my life, my childhood. My parents were street vendors; we were poor, and I had to help them sell from a very young age. Then, at the age of 14, my father became disabled, and I had to start working to help with household expenses. My mom had to work two or three jobs. I’ve known what that life is like, having to live like that, with almost nothing. That makes me committed to my community, to this needy population.”
At the end of the day, before closing his eyes, district 13 councilman Hugo Soto-Martínez questions whether he did the best possible job that day and tells himself, “You did everything that was possible today,” and he closes his eyes, transporting himself to that world of dreams that he hopes to make a reality someday.
This councilman has already made a mark in his political career and his impact on his district. There’s no weekend or community event where he is not present.
“It’s not just me; I’m the face, but I have a ‘equipo chingón’,” he says.
Coming from a union background, he worked many years as a community organizer and was part of the team that moved to Arizona to defeat the anti-immigrant sheriff Joe Arpaio.
“Those experiences have taught me how to use power. You can benefit communities. That’s the position I find myself in,” he says.
This councilman has already made a mark in his political career and his impact on his district. There’s no weekend or community event where he is not present. (Instagram)
District 13 Councilman Soto-Martínez has pushed various initiatives in favor of street vendors, currently working to establish a corridor on Hollywood Boulevard that benefits these individuals. He has also been present at hotel and service workers’ strikes.
Los Angeles has become one of the most expensive cities in the world. Low-income residents are exposed to eviction, job loss, and migration.
“I’ve always maintained that the community must understand that the struggle begins with themselves. They must participate, become citizens, find a way to express their discontent. I learned this in my years as a union organizer. If people realized what is said behind the walls of power, City Hall, there would be a revolution in the streets, not peaceful at all. But that must come from them”.
The councilman tries to provide information to the community, provide these ‘weapons’ needed to defend their rights. Many days, he is seen walking and distributing flyers to people in danger of losing their homes. Soto-Martínez is the only councilman who rents the place where he lives; he knows firsthand the anguish and desperation that can come with the threat of eviction.
“I try to represent who I am. I believe that a person is not only shown through language but also through their image. I put on the outer shell, the suit jacket, but without a tie and with my denim pants,” said Soto-Martínez.
In his public photos, you can’t find a picture of the councilman wearing a tie, neither in official nor community meetings.
“I try to represent who I am. I believe that a person is not only shown through language but also through their image. I put on the outer shell, the suit jacket, but without a tie and with my denim pants. I don’t like the culture of the rich; it doesn’t represent who I am,” he says emphatically.
Regarding the eternal problem of the involvement of the Latino community in social movements or protests, this councilman has a clear message.
“I insist that they must get involved. I tell them that immigrants have been through more serious things, coming to an unknown country, crossing the border, facing various dangers on this journey. The threats of anti-immigrant politicians should not instill fear, although I understand it. Everything they receive in this country, they have earned; no one has given it to them,” he says.
“Many times, I like to move very fast, do things and see results instantly. I’ve understood it. The beauty is that we are planting the seed; sometimes things can’t move, there are many interests, a lot of bureaucracy,” he adds. (Instagram)
Regarding his work in his district, he mentions that he is satisfied, even if not all his goals have been achieved.
“Many times, I like to move very fast, do things and see results instantly. I’ve understood it. The beauty is that we are planting the seed; sometimes things can’t move, there are many interests, a lot of bureaucracy,” he adds.
However, every day he sees progress, little by little.
“We are winning elections; progress is visible in the community. Every day, we are more. The working community is larger. We have hope,” he says.
I ask him about his future plans, perhaps running for mayor.
“I’m focused on day-to-day. I don’t know what comes next,” he says confidently.
At the end of the day, before closing his eyes, the councilman questions whether he did the best possible job that day and tells himself, “You did everything that was possible today,” and he closes his eyes, transporting himself to that world of dreams that he hopes to make a reality someday.
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